La Croix: When did the book printed on paper as we know it appear?
Olivier Delignon: It appeared in two areas of the world: in North-East Asia then, later, in the West in 1453-1454. The first printed books were also close to manuscripts, not to deceive their readers but because they were inspired by the dominant model. The book object sedimented around 1530 and hardly varies until today, with the exception of the cover, then made of leather or wood. Initially it was the Bible and religious books but, very quickly, printers diversified their production to address a wider audience.
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